Jupiter Ascending /Caine Wise

Chapter 11 - My Queen

Jupiter bites her lip and looks up at Caine as they are escorted onto the ship which will take them to Titus. Caine nods to her, trying to reassure her that everything will be alright. Although, he knows that once he is in Titus' custody, he isn't likely to make it out alive.

Famulus leads them to a corridor with private quarters, realizing that it is not a prison cell, but rather a generous room reserved for dignitaries. Caine tenses knowing that they will likely separate the two of them. "If this is sufficient for her majesty, I have made other arrangements for your dog," says Famulus in that insincere air that she has, her lips curling into a cold smile.

The hairs on Caine's neck begin to bristle as he is about to step toward Jupiter defensively. Jupiter speaks up, "Actually, if you don't mind," she says with demeanor of a true sovereign, "I would prefer if Mr. Wise remained with me." Jupiter stared at Famulus, daring the fawn-splice to contradict her. Caine's lips curled ever so slightly at the corners of his mouth as he watched his queen put that doe-eyed splice in her place.

Famulus looked taken aback for a moment, then smiled, although it was almost a sneer and bowed her head slightly. "Of course, if your majesty wishes," she said crisply. Nodding to the guards, they ushered Jupiter and Caine into the opulently decorated room. Once the door closed, Caine turned back to it, but it was locked.

Jupiter sighed, as Caine turned back to her. She was so strong and brave when she had to be, but he could tell that is still took it's toll on her. He wanted to wrap her in his arms, but, after what he said to her before Stinger betrayed them, he didn't think that was possible.

Jupiter shakes her head, "He can't just come and kidnap people whenever he feels like it. Who does he think he is?" she says. Jupiter's fist clench as she begins to pace. It almost makes Caine smile knowing that instead of cowering in the corner, she is ready to tear Titus' head off when she meets him.

Grabbing one of the sheaves she was given on Orus, she begins trying to look something up. "What are you looking for?" Caine asks as he steps closer to peer over the sheave.

"Well, there must be laws about this sort of thing, especially about abducting a Royal," she says focusing her frustrations on the sheave before her. Since Caine first rescued Jupiter, she hasn't stopped asking questions. She wanted to know everything about how the universe worked. Having answers seemed to make it easier to take it all in.

"Yes, there are many and very detailed and even punitive damages for unlawful detainment." Caine said as he helped Jupiter navigate through the various pages on the sheave.

After some time studying up on the applicable laws, Jupiter pushes her sheave away and rubs her eyes. Caine, who has been looking out the window, turns back to her as she let's out a frustrated sigh. Sitting down next to her, Caine tries to think of some way of easing her stress. "Your Majesty has probably memorized half the of Code and Conduct," he says with a smirk.

Jupiter smiles at him for a moment, before reminding herself that this is still just a business arrangement to Caine. Sighing, she can't help thinking of her family back home. It feels like it's been ages since she was last home, so much has happened. Caine watches her expressions change as she is off in her own thoughts. He can't help but feel responsible for some of the sadness he sees passing over her face. He wants to reach out and comfort her but flexes his hand, keeping by his side instead.

Jupiter is the first one to break the silence, "Hey," she says, "you aren't responsible for all of this," as she gestures around referring to the whole situation. "I'm grateful for everything you've done for me and I promise that whatever happens, I will try and help you and Stinger."

Caine looks up at her, taking in her expression. She can be so intuitive about him and yet she doesn't see past the wall he has tried to maintain between them. Does she honestly believe that he feels nothing for her? He hangs his head as he is filled with remorse over his previous words. She is so much more to him now than just getting his wings back. There is so much he wants to say to her but he can't find the words. "Thank you," he nods, "I know you will... but that's," Caine pauses not knowing how to continue. Nodding again, he says, "let's just try to get you outta here first." Caine stands up abruptly and moves away a little before taking a military 'at ease' position, with his hands behind his back.

Jupiter leans back with her head against the wall, she's tired. It's been a long day by any body's standards and Jupiter has been through so much. "Perhaps, you should try to rest before we arrive... your Majesty." Caine says gently.

Jupiter looks up at him and nods. "Yeah, I should. But you should, too," she says. Caine didn't feel right letting his guard down now, but she was right. Caine came back and sat near her, maintaining a respectful distance. Jupiter laid down on the divan they shared, her head resting against his leg and yawned. Caine leaned his back against the wall and relaxed as he tried not to dwell on her nearness. Looking down at his beautiful queen, he watched as her breathing slowed and she drifted off into a gentle slumber.

Soon he too was relaxed. There was still something about her presence that calmed him. Even when there was chaos and attackers around them, he felt better knowing she was close. Caine closed his eyes slowly and leaned his back against the wall.

***

"Ahem," came a sound jolting Caine from his sleep. Famulus stood in front of him, smiling down on the image before her. Straightening up, Caine rested his hand on Jupiter's shoulder and nudged her awake. "My apologies, your Majesty," said Famulus smugly, clearly enjoying what she was seeing, "we have arrived at Lord Titus' flag ship. If you would care to freshen up before your arrival, Lord Titus is eagerly looking forward to making your aquaintence."

Caine could just smack that smirk right off that self-important deers face. She was no more genuine than her slimy master and it grated on his nerves and got under his skin.

Jupiter disliked the woman who worked for Titus, but she wasn't all that different from the hoity-toity rich snobs she cleaned house for. This she could handle, she had already irked the deer-splice once before and she got a little pleasure out of it. "You can tell Titus," Jupiter said, purposely leaving out his title, "that I'm ready to see him now. I want to get this over with as soon as possible."

Famulus takes a moment to look over Jupiter's appearance. She hardly looks like anyone of importance and the displeasure shows on her face. "Very well," she says, "I shall let my lord know." Turning on her heel, Famulus leaves and Jupiter smiles to herself enjoying the expression on the fawns face.

Caine, too, smiles to himself as he watches Jupiter. No, she's not like any royal I've ever met. I guess that's why I love her... Caine stops in his tracks as he realizes what he just thought. It's true, I do love her. Caine is silent as he ponders his feelings. It's no surprise really, but he's never actually been in love before.

A/N: Thanks for reading so far. I hope you are enjoying it. I'm enjoying writing it. I'm also looking forward to the next chapter or two I have planned. I've reached 1000 reads so far! Please keep the feedback coming. I love hearing from readers (good or bad). :)